Constable, homeguard held for smuggling drugs in Odisha

A constable and a homeguard have been arrested in Kandhamal district for their alleged involvement in smuggling of drugs.
The duo along with a driver were arrested on Sunday for assisting smugglers to transport the contraband, Inspector in-charge of Phulbani sadar police station Trupti Nayak said today.
Those arrested are Bansidhar Barik, a constable posted at Darringibadi police station, Jitendra Pradhan, homeguard at Phulbani and Rabindra Pradhan, driver of the car in which the contraband was being transported, he said.
On May 26, about 30 kg of ganja was seized from a car at Jamjhari near Phulbani. The three had managed to escape then but were arrested on Sunday, he said, adding, the mastermind of the racket is still on the run.

Police said the constable and the homeguard were not only helping in transporting ganja but had also invested in the illegal trade.
Last year, two assistant sub-inspectors and two constables of Phiringia police station were suspended for allegedly assisting ganja smugglers.
"We will spare no one. Those involved in ganja smuggling will be booked," said Kandhamal superintendent of police K V Singh.
"We have set up an anti-narcotic cell at the district police headquarters in Phulbani which will gather intelligence about ganja cultivation, persons involved in its smuggling and act against the accused in a time-bound manner," he added.